All Quiet on the Western Front was the first film to win both Best Picture and Best Director, a feat that would become common in later years. Lewis Milestone became the first person to win two Oscars, having won Best Director - Comedy at the 1st Academy Awards.

The Love Parade received six nominations, the greatest number of any film to that point. However, it did not win in any category.

Best Sound Recording was introduced this year, making it the first new category since the inception of the Oscars.